The enzymatic conversion of phosphonates to phosphate by bacteria

Phosphonates are ubiquitous organophosphorus compounds that contain a characteristic CP bond which is chemically inert and hydrolytically stable. Bacteria have evolved pathways to metabolize these phosphonate compounds and utilize the products of these pathways as nutrient sources. This review aims to present all of the known bacterial enzymes capable of transforming phosphonates to phosphates. There are three major classes of enzymes known to date performing such transformations: phosphonatases, the C-P lyase complex and an oxidative pathway for CP bond cleavage. A brief description of each class is presented.